Thessaloniki International Film Festival

What I can see

The Thessaloniki Film Festival is one of the most significant international festivals of its kind and a leading one in Southeast Europe. It is held annually in November and consists of the following sections: 1) The “Official Program”, which features the competition section (first and second films from new directors), the out-of-competition section and special screenings, 2) the “Greek Section” with Greek productions from that year, 3) “Open Horizons”, a section that features independent and innovative productions by world-class filmmakers, 4) the “Tributes” section honouring Greek and foreign filmmakers, who demonstrate the significance of cinema as an art form. In addition, the festival co-organizes cultural events and open discussions.

What I can't see

It is the first international film festival in the Balkans. It was founded in 1960 as the “Greek Film Week”, but 32 years later, it has become an international event, hosting mainly young artists from around the world. Since the mid-1990s, its reputation has spread outside of Greece and it has progressively been established as a must-see annual event. The older generation remember the early years when the festival was a politicized event, often acquiring a partisan political character but tensions have faded with time, as well as with its commercialization. Regardless, the festival is an institution that has contributed to the growing “maturity” of Greek viewers and filmmakers alike.

Info

• Website: http://www.filmfestival.gr/

Bibliography